Some people with laryngeal cancer receive a type of treatment known as
targeted therapy. It may be given along with radiation therapy.
Cetuximab (Erbitux) was the first targeted therapy approved for laryngeal
cancer. Cetuximab binds to cancer cells and interferes with cancer cell growth
and the spread of cancer. You may receive cetuximab through a vein once a week
for several weeks at the doctor's office, hospital, or clinic.
During treatment, your health care team will watch for signs of problems.
Some people get medicine to prevent a possible allergic reaction. Side effects
may include rash, fever, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. These effects usually
become milder after the first treatment.
You may want to ask your doctor these questions about chemotherapy or
targeted therapy:
Why do I need this treatment?
Which drug or drugs will I have
How does the drug work?
When will treatment start? When will it end?
How will I feel during treatment? What are the side effects? Are
there any lasting side effects? What can I do about them?
Second Opinion
Before starting treatment, you may want a second opinion about your
diagnosis, stage of cancer, and treatment plan. Some people worry that the
doctor will be offended if they ask for a second opinion. Usually the
opposite is true. Most doctors welcome a second opinion. And many health
insurance companies will pay for a second opinion if you or your doctor
requests it. Some companies require a second opinion.
If you get a second opinion, the second doctor may agree with your first
doctor's diagnosis and treatment plan. Or, the second doctor may suggest another
approach. Either way, you'll have more information and perhaps a greater sense
of control. You can feel more confident about the decisions you make, knowing
that you've looked at all of your options.
It may take some time and effort to gather your medical records and see
another doctor. The delay in starting treatment usually will not make treatment
less effective. To make sure, you should discuss this delay with your doctor.
There are many ways to find a doctor for a second opinion. You can ask your
doctor, a local or state medical society, a nearby hospital, or a medical school
for names of specialists.
Also, you can get information about treatment centers near you from NCI's
Cancer Information Service. Call 1–800–4–CANCER (1–800–422–6237). Or chat using LiveHelp,
NCI's instant messaging service, at
http://www.cancer.gov/ livehelp.
Cancer is a disease caused by an abnormal growth of cells, also called malignancy. It is a group of 100 different diseases, and is not contagious. Cancer can be treated through chemotherapy, a treatment of drugs that destroy cancer cells.
Smoking is an addiction. More than 430,000 deaths occur each year in the U.S. from smoking related illnesses. Secondhand smoke or "passive smoke" also harm family members, coworkers, and others around smokers. There are a number of techniques available to assist people who want to quit smoking.
Head and neck cancer is cancer of the oral cavity, salivary glands, paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, or lymph nodes in the upper part of the neck. These cancers account for 3% to 5% of cancers in the U.S. Tobacco and alcohol use are important risk factors. Treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.
Though it's difficult to say why some people develop cancer while others don't, research shows that certain risk factors increase a person's odds of developing cancer. These risk factors include growing older, family history of cancer, diet, alcohol and tobacco use, and exposure to sunlight, ionizing radiation, certain chemicals, and some viruses and bacteria.
Asbestos exposure lung disease is divided into three main types, asbestosis (lung scarring caused by asbestos fibers), disease of the lining of the lung (pleural plaques, scarring, or fluid accumulation), and lung cancer. Mesothelioma is cancer of the lining of the lung caused by asbestos exposure. Cancers of the larynx, throat, kidney, esophagus, and gallbladder have been linked to asbestos exposure. Treatment is dependant upon the type of condition related to asbestos exposure.
Acid backing up into the larynx (voice box), it causes reflux laryngitis. Irritation of the lining of the esophagus, larynx, and throat can lead to esophagitis, sinusitis, strictures, hoarseness, throat clearing, swallowing problems, asthma, chronic cough, and more. Typical symptoms of reflux laryngitis include heartburn, hoarseness, or a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Reflux laryngitis can be treated with OTC medication, prescription medication, and lifestyle changes.
Smokeless tobacco can have negative health effects such as cancers, poor oral health (gum disease and tooth decay), infertility, pregnancy complications, and nicotine addiction.
Most often, caregivers take care of other adults who are ill or disabled. Less often, caregivers are grandparents raising their grandchildren. The majority of caregivers are middle-aged women. Caregiving can be very stressful, so it's important to recognize when it's putting to much strain on you and to take steps to prevent/relieve stress.
Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth, low birth weight or premature birth, and more. Secondhand smoke also increases your baby's risk of developing lung cancer, heart diseases, emphysema, asthma, allergies, and SIDS.
Smoking increases the risk of heart disease in women and men. Nicotine in cigarettes decrease oxygen to the heart, increases blood pressure, blood clots, and damages coronary arteries. Learn how to quit smoking today, to prolong your life.
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